Friday, October 12, 2018

Rose
McNeil is rising the ranks at the Mozarteum in Salzburg as a violinist
to watch. Her musical Nova Scotian heritage has loaned an unparalleled
technique to her interpretation of some of the most beautiful
compositions in the world. The opportunity of a first chair assignment
to the Rainer Quartet under the tutelage and baton of Oliver Thorne is a
dream come true--- until her student visa expires and the threat of
leaving Vienna looms. As much as she grieves the prospect of leaving
Vienna and the quartet, it is Oliver—with his dry sense of humour and
unexpected charm- she will miss most.

British ex-pat Oliver
Thorne’s recent appointment as conductor to the Rainer Quartet make him
the youngest in the role during its prestigious history. But it wasn’t
the path he wanted. A tragic accident years ago forbade him from ever
playing his beloved cello again. Now he spends his life conducting for
premiere orchestras at the Musikverein. When he first hears Rose McNeil
play, all the dreams he left by the wayside are reborn with her
unexpected talent. When Rose learns she may have to leave Vienna, Oliver
has to come up with a solution. Losing his first violinist is
unfortunate, losing her is unimaginable.

So he comes up with
a crazy idea: A marriage on paper only. She’ll take his name and his
citizenship. They’ll split rent money and coin toss to decide who takes
the bed or the futon every night. They’ll keep their secret from the
orchestra. She’ll play and he’ll conduct and, most importantly...she’ll
stay.

Unbeknownst to each other, Rose is in love with Oliver and
Oliver is in love with Rose. They might even find a happy ending, if
only their pesky marriage doesn’t get in the way.

My Review

This story provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of classical music and its performance. I loved the Austrian setting and the romance of Vienna, which the author skillfully described with subtlety and charm. Rose and Oliver's relationship is a complicated one- there is a foundation of genuine friendship there, yet he is the conductor of the group she plays violin with, which makes him a boss figure. The strict moral code of the historic "quartet" (there are actually more than four musicians) prohibits Rose and Oliver from a romantic relationship, making their marriage of convenience also a secret one. There are deeper issues preventing Oliver from admitting his true feelings for Rose, even to himself. I loved their rapport and the way they support and encourage each other. Over time, both Oliver and Rose become conflicted over the future, their careers, relationship, and roommate status. The emotions run high and tension abounds when their secret is revealed and they must find a way to find a satisfactory resolution for the opposition between their jobs and a future together.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Rose
McNeil is rising the ranks at the Mozarteum in Salzburg as a violinist
to watch. Her musical Nova Scotian heritage has loaned an unparalleled
technique to her interpretation of some of the most beautiful
compositions in the world. The opportunity of a first chair assignment
to the Rainer Quartet under the tutelage and baton of Oliver Thorne is a
dream come true--- until her student visa expires and the threat of
leaving Vienna looms. As much as she grieves the prospect of leaving
Vienna and the quartet, it is Oliver—with his dry sense of humour and
unexpected charm- she will miss most.

British ex-pat Oliver
Thorne’s recent appointment as conductor to the Rainer Quartet make him
the youngest in the role during its prestigious history. But it wasn’t
the path he wanted. A tragic car accident years ago forbade him from
ever playing his beloved cello again. Now he spends his life teaching
and guest conducting for premiere orchestras at the Musikverein. When he
first hears Rose McNeil play, all the dreams he left by the wayside are
reborn with her unexpected talent. When Rose learns she may have to
leave Vienna, Oliver has to come up with a solution. Losing his first
violinist is unfortunate, losing her is unimaginable.

So he
comes up with a crazy idea: A marriage on paper only. She’ll take his
name and his citizenship. They’ll split rent money and coin toss to
decide who takes the bed or the the futon every night. They’ll keep
their secret from the orchestra. She’ll play and he’ll conduct and, most
importantly...she’ll stay.

Unbeknownst to each other, Rose is
in love with Oliver and Oliver is in love with Rose. They might even
find a happy ending, if only their pesky marriage doesn’t get in the
way.

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